When Skyler Diggins was first approached about playing in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, she wasn't quite sure if it made sense for her life, she told USA Today in an interview published on November 18. The single mom of two was surprised to learn the league provided childcare during games, something she said was a first in her 11-year career — an admission that underscores just how revolutionary Unrivaled was, and remains, for professional women's basketball players.
Diggins was able to take her young children to Miami, to continue to play the sport she loves, and to provide for her family during the WNBA offseason. In addition to childcare, Unrivaled provided unparalleled accommodations, rehab facilities, and a player format and experience that is different from the W's, but that can run parallel to what already exists.
So it's not a surprise that she's looking forward to coming back for the league's second season, which kicks off in January 2026. The league now boasts 8 teams, has added a slew of 2025 WNBA rookies to its rosters, and will also host a development pool of players who will be ready to join a team if someone else is injured or otherwise unavailable.
These changes are good, Diggins told the outlet. "Now is the time where our sport is booming," she said. "We're trying to make the WNBA get on board to the example that Unrivaled is setting."
Diggins also praised the league for providing "everything to help our body be at an elite level," something that made the games fun and engaging for fans and athletes alike. Unrivaled's leadership has also made a point of listening to the players who are on the court, and making adustments as needed.
That makes sense, especially when one considers Unrivaled, which was announced in 2023 by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, was established by players for players. The league offers one version of how the WNBA could similarly operate, and the league's schedule (the second season will conclude in March, giving players a few months of downtime before the WNBA's season begins) complements what already exists.
Diggins will be joined on the Lunar Owls by Collier as well as Aaliyah Edwards, Rebecca Allen, Marina Mabrey, and Rachel Banham. Unrivaled's second season will begin on January 5 and will air on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max. The second season will also include a fourth night of basketball each week, and games will be played Friday through Monday.